Tottenham Hotspur Women have made history by becoming the first Women's Super League club to assign legacy numbers to their players. The club announced the move this week, extending its 'One Club, Two Teams' initiative to formally recognise every player who has made a competitive appearance since the 2011/12 season. This news was first reported by football.london.
Tottenham finished fifth in the FA WSL last season with 36 points from 22 games. Their record of 11 wins, three draws, and eight losses placed them 19 points behind champions Manchester City. The team scored 35 goals but conceded 38, ending the campaign with a negative goal difference.
Who received the first legacy numbers?
Joanne Ayre has been awarded the historic legacy number one. She was among the first eleven players to receive a number, assigned alphabetically to those who started the Women's Premier League Southern Division match against West Ham on August 21, 2011. Rosi Webb was given legacy number 11 from that inaugural group. In total, 183 unique numbers have been assigned, tracing the team's journey from its entry into the national league pyramid that season. The club's roots go back even further, with key figures from its formation as Broxbourne Ladies in 1985 set to receive non-numerical recognition.
How were the numbers decided?
The initiative followed extensive consultation with a committee of current and former players, senior women's team management, and the Fan Advisory Board. The club's historians, with assistance from the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust, meticulously collated and verified formally documented match and appearance records. This verification process started from that first recorded league match against West Ham United Women in August 2011. A complete list of all 183 players and their corresponding legacy numbers is now available in a dedicated section on the club's official website.
Which current players have new numbers?
Players who debuted for the team in the 2025/26 campaign have received their permanent legacy numbers. Toko Koga was assigned number 177, with Cathinka Tandberg at 178 and Signe Gaupset at 179. Maiko Hamano took number 180, Julie Blakstad got 181, and Matilda Nilden received 182. The most recent debutant, Hanna Wijk, completes the current list as the holder of legacy number 183. Further players will be awarded a number upon making their senior competitive debut.
When will fans see the numbers?
The legacy numbers will make their on-pitch debut this Sunday, 6 September, in the opening game of the new WSL season against West Ham United. They will appear on the back collar of the women's match shirts, mirroring the tradition established for the men's team in 2023. Men's players who have left the club receive commemorative certificates for their number. Tottenham Hotspur stated the move "further strengthens the Club’s commitment to recognising and celebrating the players who have shaped its history."
The club said extending the programme underscores its 'One Club, Two Teams' approach. Fans can explore the full historical list and check the team's upcoming fixtures as they prepare for the new campaign. The squad, which you can view on our squad page, will wear these permanent identifiers starting with the London derby this weekend.
